Cartography is the science, art, and technique of creating maps. It involves the representation of geographical, spatial, or abstract data in a visual format to communicate information effectively. Traditionally associated with physical geography, cartography has evolved to include digital and interactive maps for various applications, such as navigation, data visualization, and planning.

In medical and surgical contexts, cartography refers to the creation of detailed, structured maps of anatomical structures or regions to guide clinical procedures, such as surgery. These “maps” provide a systematic visualization of complex areas, like the thalamus in the study you referenced, to enhance understanding, planning, and precision in medical interventions.